Polynesian or Grand

[explorer06]

Hello! Considering a WDW visit with our two daughters for a week in August. Hesitating between Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Latter is a bit more expensive, I know, and apparently more luxurious but from the photos and reports I've read, the rooms seem older/plainer. What would folks recommend between the two? Thanks!

P.S.: Thought of the Comtemporary but it doesn't seem to accept mid-week check in. We want to be on the Monorail route.

 

[moonpie85]

Well I worship the GF but I think you're kids might actually like the Poly more

 

[johnsonet]

Hi.
You would enjoy either resort.
There's not a huge price difference between the two actually.
They do have very different decor and a different "feel" to them. Do you like the lush landscaping/tiki torches and orchids/Polynesian music/beach/volcano pool and dark woods at the Poly? Or might you prefer the white wood/light colors/brighter fabrics and Victorian theme of the GF? There is a lovely beach there too, as well as a waterfall-themed pool and gorgeous, lively lobby.
I love both and stay at both
The rooms at both resorts have been recently re-done and look wonderful! Not old or plain
If you want to stay at the CR you should be able to check in during any day of the week that there is availability. But CR is often sold out in my experience. Were you looking on expedia? Call WDW.
Good luck!

 

[karmalicousss]

I would say Poly,

But GF looks absolutly beautiful (I have never been to either of them but doing lots of research on both of them) But I would have to say Poly!!!

Good Luck!!

 

[explorer06]

Thanks for the replies everybody!

Johnsonet, you mentioned the rooms at the GF have recently been redone. Is it all the rooms or are they still in process of facelifting them all? Anywhere I could see photos of that? What I found online seemed like the old with CRT TVs as opposed to flat screens.

As for the CR, I'm checking on disney.com directly. Only avail I found was for a Atrium Club room but the check in wasn't ideal for us, unfotunately, because of flight schedules. Would you recommend it? Last stayed there 30 years ago as a kid!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Both great resorts but I love the GF. I would read the FAQ threads for the GF and the Poly.

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks for the replies everybody!

Johnsonet, you mentioned the rooms at the GF have recently been redone. Is it all the rooms or are they still in process of facelifting them all? Anywhere I could see photos of that? What I found online seemed like the old with CRT TVs as opposed to flat screens.

As for the CR, I'm checking on disney.com directly. Only avail I found was for a Atrium Club room but the check in wasn't ideal for us, unfotunately, because of flight schedules. Would you recommend it? Last stayed there 30 years ago as a kid!

Yes, the rooms have all been redone. Check out Alicnwondrln's GF FAQ thread

Here is a pic of the new flat screen TVs:

Here is a photo that shows you the new bedspread (this is a King, while most rooms have 2 Queen beds and a the daybed pictured in the photo above) and a peek of the draperies and carpeting:

Here's a nice one of the two queens showing the dust ruffles, cornice board, etc.

 

[explorer06]

Wow. Super. Thanks for the quick reply! Think am leaning towards the GF now. Looking for luxury for the parents and theme park proximity for the kids. Seems like a good combination.

 

[johnsonet]

Wow. Super. Thanks for the quick reply! Think am leaning towards the GF now. Looking for luxury for the parents and theme park proximity for the kids. Seems like a good combination.

It is a GREAT combination

Have fun!

 

[johnsonet]

Johnsonet...as for the CR... would you recommend it? Last stayed there 30 years ago as a kid!

Me too! Stayed there 23 years ago and then most recently 14 years ago But I loved it the first time and I really do want to try it out soon. The new rooms look great and I want to WALK to MK again Plus there is a new restaurant there called Wave that looks interesting. Re. your dates, Keep trying!

I have never stayed concierge there. Look for posts by triplefigs and CR Resort Fan 4 Life

 

[MommyGina]

I have stayed at the GF two years in a row. We are going back next month. DS and DD love the GF. Rooms are big enough for 5. Pools are nice too along with the beach. Would pick this in a flash!

 

[mickeynut1]

We love the Poly (but have never stayed at the GF). The victorian theme at the GF just doesn't do much for us.....but I'm sure it's a lovely resort . We do love the tropical theme of the Poly along with the great pool, the lit tiki torches at night, and the overall feel of the resort is wonderful . If you choose the Poly you'll have a great trip....as well as if you choose the GF since they are both very nice resorts on the monorail . Good luck deciding and have a great trip .

 

[mmmears]

As others are saying, they are both GREAT resorts. I wouldn't worry too much since I think you'd be happy with either one.

We've stayed at the GF with our DD (twice when she was a toddler and when she was 8 & 9 years old) and we've always found it luxurious but also "family friendly." And the monorail to the MK will make it easier for you with the kids.

Just be careful -- after staying there once, we always want to stay there on every trip now!

Have a fantastic trip!

 

[KatMark]

The Poly is our second favorite resort. The GF does not appeal to us at all and we have never considered staying there. We have stayed at the Poly a few times, and each visit has been very nice with friendly CM's, beautiful landscaping, nice rooms, etc.

 

[Doc CW]

GF it is the most amazing resort I've ever stayed at it was amazing the views of MK, the fireworks from our room, the wonderful service, everything about it made it so perfect.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

As for the CR, I'm checking on disney.com directly. Only avail I found was for a Atrium Club room but the check in wasn't ideal for us, unfotunately, because of flight schedules. Would you recommend it? Last stayed there 30 years ago as a kid!

My family and I always stay on the Atrium Club floor and each stay has been great, so I would recommend it if you really want to stay at the Contemporary. Also just so you know on the Atrium Club floor a Magic Kingdom View is only be request, so you can not make a reservation for it the way you could on a regular Tower floor.

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for the replies everybody!

Johnsonet, you mentioned the rooms at the GF have recently been redone. Is it all the rooms or are they still in process of facelifting them all? Anywhere I could see photos of that? What I found online seemed like the old with CRT TVs as opposed to flat screens.

As for the CR, I'm checking on disney.com directly. Only avail I found was for a Atrium Club room but the check in wasn't ideal for us, unfotunately, because of flight schedules. Would you recommend it? Last stayed there 30 years ago as a kid!

Not Johnsonet, but we stayed Atrium Club last August and we enjoyed it! The kids loved it and if you are lucky enough to get an MK AC view like we did, then you would really love it! I first stayed at CR in 1972 as a kid,too! And that was the first resort we stayed at with my kids!

The food offerings arent as extensive as the GF ( we stay in RPC at GF mostly) but they are still good and there are Krispy Kremes in the morning!
The rooms have all been refurbished and are beautiful, plus you get free internet access. They had pool games for the kids and the arcade and gift shops are great! Very nice CM's as well.

GF is still our hands down favorite but we were impressed with CR AC!